7 Best SXSW Food Trailers

Looking for a quick bite at SXSW in Austin? Step away from the chains and try these unique eats that make Austin a true food destination. Here’s 7 food trailers you don’t want to miss.

7 Best SXSW Food Trailers in Austin

Gourdough’s

Biggest and fattest doughnuts like you’ve never seen them before. The doughnuts are fried up with a moist rich and butter interior with a crispy exterior. Fried to order and piled high with whatever goodies you choose.

What To Order: The Mother Clucker, fat doughnut with a two deep-fried chicken strip and honey butter.

Recently crowned one of GQ’s 25 best restaurants in America, La Barbecue serves up the best beef ribs that I’ve sank my teeth in. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with a crispy bark. Grab a free beer, jam out to the live music and get in line for some phenomenal barbecue. Photo credit: Hayden Walker

What To Order: Beef ribs and brisket.

SXSW Location: 1200 E 6th St. Featured food trailer on the Food Crawl.

Tucked behind the back of Austin’s Liberty Bar, East Side King serves up Pail’s Qui’s Japanese street bar snacks like Poor Qui Buns, beet fries, and crispy chicken karaage topped with lots of mint and basil.

What To Order: Chicken karaage & fried Brussels sprouts salad.

SXSW Location: South Bites & 1618 E. 6th St.

Burro Cheese Kitchen

America’s favorite sandwich is taken to the next level at Burro Cheese Kitchen. Justin Burrow serves up artisan grilled cheese sandwiches with creative cheese choices like the Grilled Glory with peanut butter, balsamic apricot fig and chocolate sauce.

Pro Tip: Coolhaus will be slinging out free ice cream sammies on March 10 at 96 Red River, thanks to Yodle!

What To Order: Salted caramel ice cream with butterscotch and potato chip cookie.

SXSW Location: Austin Convention Center

Torchy’s Tacos

Must try trailer in Austin if you’re here for SXSW. This Austin-born taco chain has a cult-like following with the best tacos in Austin. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is The Republican (grilled jalapeno sausage) or The Democrat (shredded barbacoa). Feeling wild? Try the Trailer Park, a massive battered and fried hunk of chicken breast, topped with sautéed green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded mixed cheese on a flour tortilla. Ask to ‘get it trashy’ and they’ll replace the lettuce with cheese sauce.